The Isle of Man: Another Country

Flying on the little Manx2 plane from Blackpool, with its toy propellers, was like something from a 1940s movie. The stewardess gave the safety demo and then was multi-tasking as co-pilot a few feet ahead in the open cockpit. The smooth flight took just 25 minutes and then â€¦ we'd arrived in another country.

Suddenly I was back in my childhood; driving along the coast road the air had that distinctive seaside aroma that took me back so many years; a combination of seaweed, fish and â€˜ozone', as Dad used to say. Seagulls were swirling about in the strong breeze and there were scuds of white on the waves as the sea tried to make its mind whether it was worth creating a wave. I was heading into Port St Mary on the Isle Of Man, making a return visit after 30 years.

This trip was my prize for winning a travel blogging competition and I could choose a short break anywhere in the UK. I chose the Isle of Man for 3 reasons:

*I hadn't been since I was a child and had always wanted to come back and explore properly

* It wasn't too far from where I live which meant less time travelling & more time exploring

* It appeared to have lots of quirky potential which I was hoping to explore during my trip

Collecting the hire car on arrival was my first sense that I was in a â€˜another country'; the hire company is called Mylchreests – well, definitely not an English name! Yet the road signs are the same, they drive on the left and there's a strange familiarity in the scenery, with an air of the Cornish coast mixed with parts of southern Ireland.

â€œReg, take ZoÃ«'s bags up to Bonnie,â€ instructed Kath, landlady at Aaron House B&B. Who was Bonnie -and why would she want my bags? It turned out Bonny was the name of the fireplace in my bedroom. The house is done out in a Victorian theme; it reminded me of Aunty Nellie's house – sepia photos, ornate lamps, floral wallpaper and lots of knick-knackery. Very quirky. There was a welcoming drink in the lounge overlooking the big bay of Port St Mary and outstanding blueberry scones; Aaron House is famous for their afternoon teas.

Ending the day with a walk across the springy flower-covered grass for a last look at the Calf of Man, the magical atmosphere of this isle was really taking hold …

Thanks to Mylchreest Car Hire for great customer service and a very reliable vehicle and Manx2 Airline for the excellent flights from Blackpool and use of the fab Executive lounge. Everyone at Visit Isle of Man was so very helpful – you made the trip extra-special and I loved quirky Aaron House. Finally, a big thank-you to Alan of Travel Titbits for giving me this trip and making a dream come true!

Glad you enjoyed it Lori. They certainly race around the island very fast! The TT Races are next week and they weer putting up the barriers and stands all over the island. Apparently Jeremy Clarkson has a house on the island but has been ruffling feathers due to some argument over right to walk or somesuch …

I had just been looking at the world atlas on the weekend – figuring out where the Channel Islands and The Isle of Man were located. It looks like you can have yourself a quirky adventure and congrats on winning the contest. Lucky you with sunshine too.

[…] The Calf Of Man, Isle of Man: on a glorious spring day, sitting on boingy grass dotted with dainty wild flowers, gazing out across ancient stones and the Irish Sea, all seemed right with the world. I'd chosen to visit the Isle of Man as the prize for winning â€˜Britain's Best Travel Blogger' in January. It's a magical island and so very quirky â€¦ a treasure trove of maritime history, proud Parliamentary tradition, roaring race tracks across the landscape, four-horned sheep and faery folk-lore. […]

[…] Update January 2013: Sadly ceased trading last year, another victim of this deep and long-lasting recession. I owe the company a great deal and wish Alan and the rest of the company all the very best … wherever they are and whatever they’re up to now! You can read about my prize trip to the Isle of Man here. […]